The U-20 players were more like hormonal teens than professional players. Which is why Sae was only at this formal event to shut his manager up.

He kept to himself, sipping on his drink. But then someone next to him at the table giggled as Aiku cracked another dumb joke and wait— was that the sweetest sound he’s ever heard?

He vaguely knew you— one of Sendo’s friends. How did this idiot know someone like you?

“Is it out of pity that you’re laughing?” He blurted out, his tone bland.